Philatelic clutter
The ultimate field problem....how to organize these two totes.
Most, but not all, of my collection
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The ultimate field problem....how to organize these two totes.
Most, but not all, of my collection
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Now this is a real mess! A few weeks ago, I asked about cleaning envelopes (and stamps generally). But the thread of Philatelic Clutter brought out my cell phone camera.
My grandfather was Postmaster (some of this I wrote earlier) in Atlanta, Georgia from about 1924 to 1933, and he started me collecting stamps, from which I took a 50+ year pause. He was an intense collector, and he was all about mint, NH, VF++, and USA. I also have several signed (pilot and himself) first flight letters as he was a leader in advancing airmail between Atlanta and many east coast cities.
But my late wife’s Great Aunt was a stamp “accumulator” and I now have about 5 kilos of stamps in shoeboxes from roughly 1915 to 1945, and I am attaching some photos, about 5% of the accumulation. They are from everywhere, and they are not “all about mint, NH, VF++, and USA”.
I plan to soak most of these, and when I mentioned this to my new wife and that we could use soapy water followed by clean water, or we could use lighter fluid. She suggested the latter and went to get some matches!!!
I truly do not know how to begin; Scott gave me some thoughtful encouragement and I offered a plan ticket for Japan to Oklahoma.
On the other hand, I know that this challenge is very close to my early days of stamp collecting, when I would buy stamp packages from Rich’s Department store or from the one stamp dealer in Atlanta that I would haunt. Interestingly, apparently our great aunt also bought several packages from I know not where (see one of the photos).
Actually, my wife is being very supportive of this enterprise and is rethinking the soapy water.
Suggestions and advice and mentorship will be deeply appreciated. I just hope to be able to use Scott’s W/F matrix to get me to a retirement plan!!!
Again, thoughts welcome
Best
Berrien
PS. The Hindenburg cover has some curious medical/revenue (I think) small stamps on the reverse side and note that it was going to a medical facility in Atlanta. Knowledge??
I just got my APS number the Day After my club meeting...
APS#236424
You still have a ways to go until you are official, probably a couple of months. At that point you should be able to have a badge on your listings.
Bill O'Malley
APS # 169743
Do they have to do a background check with the CIA or something????
My credit card has already been charged....and my club is supposed to get a small donation for me joining
You just commented "there are some people on here I'd like to block" on another thread.
The APS publishes the names of applicants to allow time for existing members in good standing to state their objections to the application in a timely manner and give the APS time to investigate the objection.
That way when dealing with an APS member you have a right to expect that you are doing business with someone who is legitimate and ethical. They do expel /suspend members when a complaint of serious misconduct is found to have merit.
Your statement regarding the ability to "block" indicates your wish to avoid the "snake oil salesmen" selling stamps - that is the goal of the APS. (Member since 1985)
Or is that wrong??? Enquiring minds want to know
I do that also except the guy from Mystic keeps on getting the most.
I know it used to cost to have your imprint put on the card and I assume it is still the same.
I don't know if I'll get them all done though.
Luree, I usually get them in about a week or so.